The Kwande United People’s Organisation (KWUPO) has pledged to mobilize massive, cross-party support for Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, describing his 2027 bid as one that enjoys widespread acceptance among the people of Kwande and beyond.
The National Executive Council of KWUPO made this commitment on Monday, 14th September 2026, during a solidarity visit to the immediate past Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, at his residence in George’s Quarters, Makurdi. The delegation was led by the President General, Chief Comr. Simon Aloko Nachi.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Chief Nachi described Aondoakaa’s emergence as the PDP governorship candidate as a significant political development for Kwande. He thanked Chief Ortom and other stakeholders who stood by the process that produced Kwande’s son and former Attorney-General of the Federation as the party’s standard-bearer. He recalled that what was rightfully due to Kwande in 2023, but was denied and handed over to Jechera, has now been restored under Chief Ortom’s leadership.
Chief Nachi described Aondoakaa’s candidature as divine and one that has generated widespread enthusiasm across the state. He gave the assurance that KWUPO would work tirelessly to mobilize support for the former Justice Minister and secure his victory in the 2027 governorship election. He stated that this mobilization would transcend political party lines, as the organisation would appeal to the people on the basis of the broader interest of Kwande and Benue State. He further commended Chief Ortom for his commitment to fairness, equity and justice, and expressed the gratitude of the Kwande people for the opportunity given to their son to fly the PDP governorship flag in 2027.
Also speaking, QS. Godwin Alumuku, the KWUPO National Treasurer, and Dr. Raymond Anumve expressed appreciation to Chief Ortom, not only for Aondoakaa’s emergence but also for other developments they said had positively reflected on Kwande, including the emergence of the Tor Tiv and the senatorial candidature of Hon. Thomas Unongo. They described Hon. Unongo’s candidature, as son of the late Wanteregh Paul Unongo, as an opportunity to honour the memory and sacrifices of the late statesman, and prayed God to continue to bless Chief Ortom.
The KWUPO Woman Leader, Mrs. Ugese, and Elder Boniface Ukende, in their remarks, similarly expressed gratitude to the former governor and reaffirmed the organisation’s determination to mobilize support for Chief Aondoakaa and other PDP candidates in the 2027 elections.
Responding, Chief Ortom thanked the delegation for the visit, saying he never imagined that his modest contribution to the political process would warrant such a gesture from the people of Kwande. He urged the people to rally behind Aondoakaa, describing him as a credible and experienced leader with the capacity to serve Benue people selflessly and provide the kind of leadership required at this time. He noted that Aondoakaa’s emergence was the collective decision of members of the PDP, and called on the people of Kwande to close ranks and mobilize massively for him, stressing that his success would require their collective commitment.
Chief Ortom also recalled his longstanding relationship with his political mentor, the late Wanteregh Paul Unongo, whom he described as a distinguished son of Kwande who contributed immensely to the development of Benue State. He said the emergence of Hon. Thomas Unongo as the PDP senatorial candidate for Benue North-East (Zone A) presents the people with an opportunity to honour and reciprocate the sacrifices made by his late father.
Following the visit, the National Executive Council of KWUPO resolved that Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, stands today as the only son of Kwande extraction holding a governorship ticket on the platform of any political party in Benue State, a distinction that places on every Kwande son and daughter the duty to close ranks behind him. The Council adopted Aondoakaa’s candidacy as a Kwande Project, binding on all, to be pursued with every legitimate resource until victory is secured.
It further resolved that Benue North-East (Zone A) senatorial district, made up of the Kwande, Jechera and Sankera blocks, should come together as one to support the emergence of a Kwande son or daughter for the Senate, calling on Jechera and Sankera to reciprocate the solidarity Kwande has consistently extended to the zone. The organisation also extended its support to all candidates contesting for House of Representatives and State House of Assembly positions within Kwande, advising them to conduct themselves in a peaceful and respectful manner.
KWUPO resolved to engage the people of Jemgba, Gwer, Lobi, Jechira, Sankera, and the Idoma and Igede of Zone C to build support for Kwande and for the governorship ambition of Chief Aondoakaa. It also called on all youths of Kwande extraction to shun thuggery and every form of electoral malpractice, and to serve instead as vigilant, peaceful ambassadors of the Kwande Project.
